Propuesta de revitalización de la gastronomía tradicional de la Parroquia el Altar, Provincia de Chimborazo 2023

Abstract

The issue identified in the parish of El Altar, situated in the Penipe canton, concerns the devaluation of traditional gastronomic practices, customs, heritage, techniques, and culinary methods. The objective of this study is to develop a proposal for the revitalization of traditional gastronomy in the parish of El Altar, Chimborazo province. The methodology employed in this study is a non-experimental, cross-sectional, qualitative approach, utilizing bibliographic documentary, descriptive, theoretical, and empirical methods, a questionnaire was administered to a focus group of 30 individuals between the ages of 60 and 90. The results demonstrated that a gastronomic culture and identity exist, based on a variety of traditional dishes that have been handed down from generation to generation, these constitute an important gastronomic attraction that eeds to be reinforced in order to enhance local gastronomy. The first interviews yielded information regarding the percentage of consumption of key ingredients in the region, as well as a historical overview of iconic dishes such as “Arepas de zapallo” and “Dulce de cuchillo.” A number of factors have been identified which influence gastronomy geographically, historically and socially. These include, for example, the diversity of food according to altitudinal levels, the migratory movements of settlers and festive traditions. The study identified different levels of risk associated with the region's culinary practices and proposed a range of solutions. These included the creation of a recipe book, the design of training and informative materials for restaurant owners and staff, and the implementation of a QR code on the municipal website. This would allow users to access a revitalization guide for Altar parish, with the objective of promoting the region's gastronomy.